TURNEFFE ATOLL SYSTEM: 5 Facts

5 interesting facts about Turneffe Atoll system.

The largest atoll in Belize

The Turneffe Atoll is located just over 24 miles (39 km) east of Belize City and is surrounded by intensely coloured waters, which glisten vivid blue, green and turquoise. An atoll is a ring-shaped reef, island or chain of islands formed of coral.

There are only four atolls in the Caribbean and Turneffe is the largest and most biologically diverse of these. In total it comprises of nearly 150 islands covered in the largest mangrove system in Belize. In addition to mangroves, the islands posses large areas of tropical savannas and forest.

At approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide it is the largest atoll in Belize. Turneffe Atoll is made up of a series of mangrove islands, cays, lagoons and lush grassland marine robes — all of which are surrounded and protected by a ring of vibrant and unique coral species.

Surrounded by wildlife

The atoll was officially declared a marine reserve in 2013 by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.

It is the most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere. The islands — some of which are larger than 2020 hectares (5,000 acres) — are covered by more than 77 different varieties of vegetation. Interspersed with lagoons, mangrove forests cover almost all low-lying areas of the atoll.

Turneffe Atoll’s reef supports a wide range of diverse aquatic species such as the endemic white spotted toadfish and the white lined toadfish. Plentiful sponges and corals provide feeding grounds to endangered animals including the green sea turtle.

Belize’s largest American saltwater crocodile population also resides within the atoll, approximately 200-300 individuals. It is also the only offshore stretch of water designated for the endangered Antillean manatee.

Giant marine toads, green tree snakes and other reptiles and amphibians use the littoral forests and brackish lagoons at their home.

Blackbird Caye Resort can take you there. Check out the website for more information: http://blackbirdresort.com/